Halle Berry's Daughter Nahla Set to Testify Virtually in High-Stakes Custody Battle

Key points

• Halle Berry's daughter, Nahla Aubry, is listed as a potential witness and is expected to testify virtually due to her school schedule.
• 13-year-old Maceo Martinez testified for nearly four hours on Monday, with the courtroom closed to the public to protect his privacy.
• Olivier Martinez alleges Berry choked and physically abused Maceo on September 26, claiming she shouted 'Who is dominant now?' during the incident.
• Berry's attorneys describe Martinez's restraining order request as 'frivolous and baseless' and argue his intent was to circumvent existing court orders.
• Nahla Aubry previously filed a declaration stating she has never seen her mother 'hit, slap, choke, grab, or physically abuse' Maceo.
• Martinez is seeking sole physical and legal custody of Maceo, while Berry is requesting to restore her decision-making power and 50-50 custody.

Background

This dispute follows a temporary restraining order granted to Olivier Martinez on October 1, 2026, which limited Berry's parenting time pending a hearing on October 16. In early October, Nahla Aubry filed multiple court declarations defending her mother, describing Berry as a loving and stable parent who enforces boundaries but never engages in violence. Martinez had previously requested to block Nahla from testifying, arguing she was biased, while simultaneously pushing for Maceo to testify regarding the abuse allegations. The couple married in 2013, separated in 2015, and finalized their divorce in 2023.

How outlets are covering it

Page Six and Just Jared both report on the Monday hearing, noting the 'icy' atmosphere and the nearly four-hour testimony of Maceo. Page Six emphasizes the emotional state of Halle Berry, noting she appeared to have red and watery eyes but left court smiling, while Just Jared highlights the judge's order to seal Maceo's testimony. Both outlets agree that Nahla Aubry is expected to testify virtually. Page Six details the specific allegations made by Martinez, including the quote 'Who is dominant now?', and notes that Berry's attorneys called the filing 'frivolous.' Just Jared focuses more on the custody arrangements, noting that Berry is seeking to reinstate 50-50 custody while Martinez seeks sole custody. Both sources confirm that Nahla has previously denied witnessing any abuse.

Why it matters

This case highlights the intense public scrutiny and legal complexities surrounding high-profile celebrity custody battles. The involvement of multiple family members, including a 18-year-old daughter testifying virtually and a 13-year-old son testifying in closed session, underscores the difficulty of balancing privacy with public interest. The dispute also raises questions about the credibility of domestic violence allegations in the context of contentious divorces, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives and evidence to the court.

What to watch

The hearing is scheduled to resume at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez are both expected to testify in person at Los Angeles County Superior Court. The judge will likely review the testimony of Nahla Aubry, if she testifies, and other potential witnesses, including Berry's fiancé Van Hunt and school staff. The court will also decide on the custody arrangements and whether to lift or maintain the temporary restraining order and visitation restrictions.